The City of Corpus Christi is gearing up for the first step in implementing a pilot program of a new automated meter reading system. City crews and contract workers will begin surveying two areas for the pilot program on Thursday morning, August 26, 2004 to determine the exact scope of work for the project. The first area stretches from Doddridge Street to Robert Drive between Ocean Drive and Alameda Street. The second focus area is bordered by Gollihar Road, Kostoryz Road, SPID and Ayers Street.

The survey will primarily involve gathering information about the number of water and gas meters in the two areas to determine how many of them will need to be replaced or retrofitted for automated meter reading devices. The initial survey is expected to continue through September 10, 2004. During that time, officials ask that residents keep in mind that crews will be visiting easements in the two areas. They also request that citizens help ensure that the easements are accessible by seeing to it that dogs are properly restrained while the survey is underway.

The actual installation of the new meter reading devices for the pilot program is expected to begin next month. Officials say that once all the new equipment is in place, multiple meters will be able to be read with one device. And since every meter will be read twice a day, the system will eliminate the need to send out meter readers to handle every discrepancy that may be reported. In addition, customers will be able to go online and access the readings of their meters.

The evaluation of the pilot program should be finished by the end of November 2004. For more information, please contact the Municipal Information Systems Department at 826-3772. 

Contact: Leonard Scott, Municipal Information Systems Department 361-826-3772